Metals represent one of the key materials in the evolution of humanity and have thus become pervasive in every aspect of life. The course aims to present the chemical and physical characteristics, as well as the mechanical properties, that have made metallic materials versatile and adaptable to various applications. Connections will be established to understand the relationship between metallic materials, manufacturing techniques (from casting to mechanical processing), and the wear traces resulting from usage. The course concludes by addressing metal deterioration due to corrosion processes, providing an opportunity to explore topics related to protection and preservation as well.
This course is dedicated to a wide range of students from both scientific and humanities backgrounds. Therefore, the objectives are as follows:
- Attain a proper understanding of the information obtainable from the study of metallic objects.
- Contribute to the study with appropriate questions and a consistent choice of instrumentation.
- Learn to interpret the results critically.
- Set up experimental activities.
- Provide insights into understanding corrosion processes, stabilization and consolidation procedures, and parameters influencing alteration phenomena.
- Establish correlations between the acquired data and archaeological, historical, or historical-artistic information to formulate a correct interpretation of the nature of the artifact and the related techniques.
At the end of the course, the student will have:
None
The course mainly takes place in the classroom with practical examples and seminars conducted by specialists in the field of metallurgy.
The practical part of the course is conducted in the metallurgy laboratory and involves the preparation of alloys of historical and archaeological interest, their metallographic preparation, and their characterization.
Visits to museums or monumental areas of interest are also planned.
Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sergio Di Domizio (sergio.didomizio@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.
Course Introduction and Leveling of Basic Knowledge. Metals from Origins to Present Day. Metals and Alloys of Archaeological, Historical, and Historical-Artistic Interest. Common Characteristics of all Metals. Correlation between Microstructure and Mechanical Properties. Correlation between Microstructure, Composition, Deformation, and Heat Treatments. Introduction to Corrosion Processes. Case Studies based on Alloy Types and Periods. Characterization of Metallic Materials: from Sampling to Metallography, Elemental Analysis, Characterization of Phases and Corrosion Products, Quantitative Image Analysis.
Laboratory: Preparation of an Alloy through Sand Casting, Graphite Casting, Steel Casting, Brass Casting. Deformation of an Alloy through Rolling and Annealing. Metallographic Characterization and Elemental Analysis. Observation under Optical and Electron Microscopes.
A. Cigada, T. Pastore, Struttura e proprietà dei materiali metallici, McGraw-Hill, 2012
R. E. Smallman and A. H.W. Ngan, Physical Metallurgy and Advanced Materials, Butterworth-Heinemann, 2007
Matteoli, Trattamenti Termici degli acciai
Mazza Francesco; Bianchi Giuseppe, Corrosione e protezione dei metalli, Collana tecnica AIM
Ricevimento: Appointments with the teacher can be arranged by email paolo.piccardo@unige.it
PAOLO PICCARDO (President)
ROBERTO SPOTORNO (President Substitute)
End of September according to the Master Calendar
The exam assesses together with the student the capacity to work on real applications and materials. For this reason the exam stats by presentation made by the student on a published research focused on historical or artistic metal objects. By disucssing and commenting the results the student can make use of the information learned during the classworks. Personal evaluation of the quality of the research protocol and of the acquired results is highly appreciated.
Oral examination with discussion on key points of the course related to the understanding of investigation information, interpreting the obtained results, and developing an intervention protocol. Three questions worth 10 points each.
The questions focus on the main points of the course and serves as a means for the candidate to formulate a response that demonstrates their understanding of the subject matter and their ability to apply it. Each aspect is evaluated to determine the final grade. Critical reasoning and discussion regarding the elements acquired during the course and the depth of study are highly valued.
